O'Connell: Pope Will Keep Speech Positive

Pope Benedict's historic visit to campus will cost the University $800,000, President Rev. David M. O'Connell said during House Mass this week. Half of the funds come from the reallocation of the budget for projects that were already in the works; the other half was personally raised by O'Connell specifically for the papal visit according to University spokeman, Victor Nakas.

The pontiff never intended to hang out in the Pryzbyla Center and visit classes O'Connell told the Tower last Thursday. The visit is intended to make a much more significant impact on Catholic education around the country.

"The pope had chosen Catholic University because it is the national university of the Church, because it is located in the most powerful city, in the most powerful nation in the world to be his pulpit to give an address to the church in the United States," said O'Connell.

O'Connell has had a preview into the papal speech and called it encouraging and positive. "There are groups that work in the country that are trying to drum up a feeling that the pope is coming and has called Catholic educators together to give them a stern message and rebuke," said O'Connell. "I don't believe that is either the style of the pope or the intention of the pope in coming."

Students, faculty and staff were able to get tickets to the law school lawn where they will be able to greet and view the pope's speech.

"The fact that he is coming here does provide our students with the opportunity that they will never get [again], to be close as to the pope as they will in those days," said O'Connell.

Ticket holders will be able enter through the Columbus School of Law to take their seats for the late afternoon speech beginning at 9 am. During the wait, they will be able to view the pope's public mass on a large screen beginning at 10 am. A viewing of "Sister Act" and entertainment by Red Line and Take Note will follow the viewing of the mass.

Fr. Robert Schlageter and Mike Andrew, assistant dean of students, will lead games, videos, cheers and prayers in preparation of welcoming the pope. The pope is expected to arrive at 5 p.m. and his address to Catholic educators will be broadcasted to ticket holders on the lawn on the large screen. He will leave his famous pope mobile at 6:15 p.m., a departure that anyone on the lawn will be able to watch.

The Holy Father is anticipated to stop, wave to the crowds and be greeted by O'Connell and a student.

O'Connell said the role of the University during the Papal visit one of hosting and hospitality.

"His purpose in coming here is broader than just visiting the university," said O'Connell. "It is to make a speech to the church in our country about one of the most important elements of the church's life and experience and that is Catholic education."

About 3,000 requests have been made for media credentials for the papal visit to the University. "There is a great deal of intense interest in what the pope is going to say," said O'Connell.

Groups who normally stand contrary to Church teachings are planning on greeting Benedict as well. The Women's Ordination Conference is publicizing an all female-led mass and also plans to have a presence on the pope's route through Washington. The Voice of the Faithful, which calls for reform of the sexual abuse cover-ups, plans to advertise in newspapers in Washington and other cities. Dignity USA, the largest group of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered Catholics, plans on holding a prayer service when the pope is at the University to stress the importance of supportive educational environments for gay and lesbian students, as well as a stronger stance against violence towards them.

O'Connell called the preparations for the Pope's visit a time consuming and intensive project.

"The visit is set up the way it is to be careful and protective of the pope's health," said O'Connell. "We live in a post 9/11 world; the situation is not the same as in 1979. We have to be careful. One of the most time consuming preparations for his visit [has] just been dealing with the secret service and preparing security."

Tickets and University photo identification will be required in order to gain access to the lawn. Ticket holders are discouraged to bring personal items and bags, but cameras are allowed. There will be no seating, but ticket holders are allowed to bring blankets to utilize. They will also be able to come and go, but will need to pass security upon re-entrance. No one will be allowed to enter the lawn after 4 pm.

The visit to the University will be an important stop during the Pope's visit to the United States. "This is just a great opportunity for us to celebrate what we are as a university and the one who leads and guides us," said O'Connell.

Co-Editor in Chief Ryan J. Reilly and News Editor Stephanie Cole contributed to this report and conducted the interview with O'Connell.

Visit The Tower's Blog on the Pope's Visit @ http://www.popeatcua.com